Obtaining a skin biopsy specimen and interpreting the results

Skin biopsy specimens are interpreted by general pathologists and dermatologists, as well as by devoted dermatopathologists. Pitfalls of obtaining the biopsy specimen, grossing the specimen, evaluating the sections, and reporting the results are discussed on an advanced level. Controversial economic issues and government regulations are tackled, with respect to how they affect the final result. Last, several stereotypes of prototypical dermatologic surgeons and dermatopathologists are used to illustrate how practice patterns affect the accuracy of subjective skin biopsy specimen reports.